Maldives President Calls on China to Boost Tourism Amidst Dispute with India

On Tuesday, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu urged China to increase its efforts in attracting more tourists to his country. This appeal comes in the wake of numerous cancellations by Indian tourists due to a diplomatic dispute arising from derogatory comments made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his second day of a five-day state visit to China, Muizzu emphasized China’s significance as the Maldives’ “closest” ally and key development partner at the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, stating, “China remains among our most valued allies and collaborators in development.”

He commended the infrastructure projects initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2014, noting their significance in Maldivian history. In his speech, he emphasized the need for China to increase the influx of its tourists to the Maldives, highlighting China as the primary market before the COVID-19 pandemic. The official website readout stated his request to intensify efforts to restore China’s position as the leading market.

Reports from Maldivian media indicated a signed agreement for a $50 million project, aiming to develop an integrated tourism zone in the Indian Ocean island. Despite a recent diplomatic dispute involving derogatory remarks by some Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi, the appeal for more Chinese tourists persisted.

In response to the derogatory comments, Muizzu’s government took action by suspending three deputy ministers and the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) strongly condemned the remarks. Notably, the latest tourism data revealed India as the largest tourist market for the Maldives in 2023, with the highest number of visitors, followed by Russia and China. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, China held the top position, but its tourism sector is facing challenges in recovery due to a prolonged lockdown policy and economic slowdown.

Due to the economic downturn, Chinese tourists, who used to travel abroad in large numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic, are now limiting their overseas holidays.

Following his visit to Fujian, Muizzu arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Ke Qiang. Accompanied by Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, Muizzu is expected to participate in high-level meetings and discussions over the next three days.

Zameer stated that the focus is on conveying the Maldivian Government’s priorities and exploring opportunities for increased collaboration with China.

Considered a pro-China politician in the Maldives, Muizzu emphasized his administration’s commitment to diversifying the country’s economic base, ensuring economic security, and boosting the tourism industry while addressing the economic challenges. He also expressed dedication to the swift implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with China in December 2014, which was not implemented by the succeeding administration.

Muizzu highlighted the FTA as a symbol of the strong commercial ties between China and the Maldives, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and investments. In 2022, China-Maldives bilateral trade amounted to USD 451.29 million, with China’s exports constituting the majority.

Seeking investments, Muizzu presented 11 projects at the Maldives Investment Forum, including the relocation of the Male Commercial Port to Thilafushi, Velana International Airport development, construction of 15 additional airports, and the expansion of Special Economic Zones (SEZs).